71ST Infantry Day Celebrations

71st ‘Infantry Day’ was celebrated on 27 October 2017. On the occasion, General Bipin Rawat,Lieutenant General YK Joshi, DG Infantry and Colonels of the Infantry Regiments laid the wreaths and paid homage to the braves in a solemn ceremony organised at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. Subedar (Honorary Captain) Khajur Singh, VrC (Retired) represented the veterans in the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Since the advent of warfare, the Infantry soldier has remained the pillar for decisive victory and imposition of National will. The Infantry has been at the forefront of all operations that the Indian Army has undertaken. Battle hardened and combat rich experienced, the Infantry has a glorious history and an enviable combat record, having been awarded 17 Param Vir Chakras and 48 Ashok Chakras.

Infantry celebrates 27 October each year as the Infantry Day to commemorate the first Infantry action post independence. In response to the threat posed to the sovereignity and territorial integrity of our Nation, on this day in 1947, the leading elements of the Indian Army from 1st Battalion of the SIKH Regiment, air landed at Srinagar. This bold action by the Indian Army and resolve displayed by the Infantrymen reversed the tide of events and thwarted the nefarious designs of Pakistani Raiders aided by the Pakistan Army.

As part of the Infantry Day celebrations, Field Marshal KM Carriappa Memorial Lecture was also organized at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment on ‘Defence Diplomacy and Management of Geo - Strategic Environment in India’s Neighbourhood’. - PIB